how fast are hippos

Hippos can run surprisingly fast for their size, reaching speeds of up to 19 miles per hour (about 30 kilometers per hour) on land over short distances. Despite their large, bulky appearance, they have a gait similar to a gallop and can even become briefly airborne while running. In water, hippos move by walking or running along the bottom rather than swimming, reaching speeds of up to 12 miles per hour underwater.